Discover Aberdeen with megabus

Aberdeen is also known as the ‘Granite City’, and when the sun shines, its grey-stone buildings glisten with a silver hue. The third-largest city in Scotland lies on the banks of two rivers – the River Dee and River Don – with sandy beaches that stretch upwards along the northeast coast. Take a bus to Aberdeen and discover its seafaring past at the Maritime Museum or sample a wee dram of whisky at the Glen Garioch Distillery. Hankering after some mountain terrain? You’re in luck. The majestic Cairngorms are right on your doorstep. Here’s some inspiration to get the most out of your coach trip to Aberdeen.

Aberdeen: top 3 things to do

1. Dive into the Maritime Museum

Aberdeen has strong ties with the sea and the award-winning Maritime Museum tells this story. Overlooking the busy harbour, the museum will bring you up to speed with Aberdeen’s oil industry, along with its fishing and shipbuilding past. It’s open seven days a week and admission is free.

2. Catch a show at His Majesty’s Theatre

If it’s pirouettes and jazz hands you’re after, head to His Majesty’s Theatre. The auditorium is a showstopper in itself, before the performers have even stepped on stage. Take your pick from musicals, plays, comedy acts and dance shows. Check out what’s on and book your Aberdeen coach travel around it.

3. Tour the Glen Garioch Distillery

Glen Garioch – pronounced ‘Geery’ – has been producing malt whisky in quaint Oldmeldrum since 1797, so the people here know their stuff. Learn about their time-honoured techniques and the distilling process, then finish the tour by tasting a wee dram. Hop on a 35/35A bus from Aberdeen bus station and you’ll get there in 50 minutes.

Aberdeen: getting around

Take the megabus to Aberdeen and take advantage of on board features like free WiFi* and charging points* during your journey. A free 20kg luggage allowance also means you won’t need to leave any essentials behind.

Aberdeen couldn’t be easier to get around when you get there. Grab a map from the Visit Scotland Aberdeen iCentre on Union Street and you’ll find that all the main attractions are within walking distance. Plus, First Bus and Stagecoach run regular bus services within Aberdeen and beyond. Heading to the University of Aberdeen? It’s a half-hour walk northwards or just seven minutes away on the number 68 bus.

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, then the Cairngorms National Park should be on your list. Jump on a 201 bus and you’ll be there in around two hours.

Aberdeen: best for nightlife

Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover or an out-and-out party animal, Aberdeen caters for all tastes. Line your stomach with Scotland’s famed seafood, beef or game in the city’s old market area, before joining the night owls that flock to Union Street and Belmont Street. Here you’ll find a medley of bars and clubs with soundtracks that range from 80s cheese to RnB. Did you know there’s a growing craft beer scene in Aberdeen, too? The best place to sample it is at BrewDog, a funky warehouse-like space on Gallowgate. Then, for some live music, The Tunnels under Union Street hosts well-known acts as well as up-and-coming local talent.

Aberdeen: best for shopping

Aberdeen is home to no less than five shopping malls, so if you can’t find what you’re after, it probably doesn’t exist. Union Square has over 70 shops and restaurants to splash the cash in, with a multi-screen cinema to boot. The Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centres, and Trinity Centre, are also filled with high street favourites. For designer labels and cocktails, head to the piazza-style Academy. Meanwhile, over at the Aberdeen Country Fair on Belmont Street, you can pick up local food and crafts. It’s held on the last Saturday of every month.

Aberdeen for free: our top 3

1. Discover the Tolbooth Museum

There’s a spooky kind of atmosphere in the Tolbooth Museum. That’s because it’s one of the best-preserved 17^th-century jails in Scotland, with its original cells, doors and barred windows all intact. Crime and punishment through the centuries are on the menu, and you’ll even spy the blade from Aberdeen’s ancient guillotine.

2. Explore the David Welch Winter Gardens

Within Duthie Park on the banks of the River Dee, you’ll find the David Welch Winter Gardens. This magnificent glass house contains rare and exotic plants from all around the world, along with the largest collection of cacti in the UK. Both the Winter Gardens and the beautiful grounds of Duthie Park are open all year round.

3. Visit St Machar’s Cathedral

St Machar’s Cathedral stands on the site of a small 6^th-century Celtic chapel, with the present building dating back to the 1100s. Admire the colourful stained-glass windows and wooden ceiling covered in coats of arms. Braveheart fans take note: the church is believed to be the resting place of William Wallace’s left arm.

Book your Aberdeen coach tickets by using the journey planner at the top of this page.

We serve Aberdeen from over 10 routes including:

*Subject to availability and connection